The Giving Garden, located behind the Canton Branch Library, is a raised-bed vegetable garden that will be used to teach various aspects of gardening. All produce harvested will be donated to local food pantry The Community Kitchen.

Throughout this spring and summer, gardening programs will be led by Extension agents and Master Gardeners on such topics as seed starting, square-foot gardening, vertical gardening, composting and more both at the garden site and in the Canton Branch Library’s meeting room. The first program is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. Participants will learn about the Giving Garden, as well as about crop selection from Extension agent and Master Gardener Tim Mathews. Find out what crops do well in our region, when to plant them and how.

The Giving Garden is an education-oriented effort, supported by the work of volunteers. Those who are interested in volunteering in the garden is invited to contact Canton Branch Library manager Mannie Crone at mcrone@haywoodnc.net or 648-2924. People of all ages with any level of gardening experience are encouraged to participate in this community-building endeavor.

The Giving Garden is a joint initiative of the Haywood County Public Library and the Haywood County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. Seeds for the garden were generously donated by Sow True Seed of Asheville. For more information on upcoming Giving Garden programs, attend the introductory program on March 11, or visit www.haywoodlibrary.org and click on the Events tab. Call 648-2924 for additional information on the March 11 program or the Giving Garden project.